MLB Awards Watch: Chris Archer makes the leap

6 of 7

Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) runs the bases after hitting a two run home run during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

NL MVP

Bryce Harper, OF Washington Nationals – Bryce Harper has a 1.208 OPS. Any questions? In all seriousness, we could just stop there, but Harper’s first-half performance has been something special. He no longer holds the NL lead in home runs (an honor that goes to Giancarlo Stanton), but with 24 home runs to go along with a .473 OBP and a .735 (!) slugging, his numbers appear as if they belong in a video game setting. There is no debate here, and if an MVP award was granted across both leagues, Harper would be the leader.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1B Arizona Diamondbacks – It is kind of a shame, at least for Arizona fans, that Bryce Harper receives all of the attention, because Paul Goldschmidt is out of his mind. Goldschmidt actually leads Harper in OBP (.474), and he pairs 19 home runs with 12 stolen bases from the first base position. With a 199 wRC+ that looks completely legitimate, Goldschmidt has been the best player at his position in baseball.
Todd Frazier, 3B Cincinnati Reds – I keep waiting for Todd Frazier to cool off, and he hasn’t yet. Frazier trails only Harper and Stanton in home runs with 23, and his .292/.356/.636 slash line is incredibly impressive. Throw in the fact that he continues to run (8 SB) and play above-average defense at the hot corner, and Frazier is proving pundits wrong on a daily basis if they choose to doubt him.

Next: AL MVP

Home/MLB